Coconut Coast Villas

Coconut Coast Villas describes itself as “beach house comfortable,” and that’s exactly what it is. It isn’t fancy, or pretentious; it’s simple and uncomplicated at the cost of being a bit too familiar. The property is split between two gray and white buildings, with gravel driveways and slabs of concrete that serve as parking spots. There’s no grand lobby, just a reception office that’s closed for the better half of the day. A hand-painted sign that’s seen its fair share of sunlight lets you know that this is, indeed, Coconut Coast Villas. Guests are a mixed bag -- from families with young children, to groups of 30-somethings, to couples, and retirees. The property remains fairly quiet throughout the day, since most people choose to spend their time exploring the island rather than relaxing by the pool.        

Coconut Coast’s location is tricky. It’s not quite within downtown Cruz Bay, but it’s a 10- to 15-minute walk of all its shops, bars, and restaurants if you’re prepared to tackle some pretty major hills. Walking time and distance can be greatly reduced by a small cut-through path that allows guests to bypass main roads and walk through private property. This route is really only suitable for people in decent physical shape, as even this route is still fairly hilly. It’s not suitable for guests with luggage or small children in tow. Frank Bay, a small rocky beach, is about a two-minute walk from the hotel. All of the national park beaches are accessible via taxi or rental car. 

In keeping with the “beach house comfortable” theme, rooms have simple, homey furnishings that are a little more dated than they are contemporary. Rooms have sandy terra-cotta tile floors and white walls with wicker furniture and generic beach-scene artwork. Queen-size beds are covered by simple white quilts and a single accent pillow with blue and coral hues. Some rooms have bead board chair rails while others have vaulted, wood-paneled ceilings. Studios are equipped with kitchenettes, while apartment-style rooms have full galley kitchens. Strangely though, kitchenettes have small oven/stove combos, while the full kitchens only have stoves. Full kitchens are also equipped with more counter, drawer, and cabinet space, along with more utensils, place settings, and pots and pans. Bathrooms have shower stalls and pedestal sinks. Most do not have tubs. All rooms have huge, oceanfront balconies with white plastic patio furniture.  

Most people probably don’t travel to Coconut Coast for its amenities, but for a small, no-frills hotel, there are a few nice things for guests to take advantage of while on the property. Although it’s barely larger than a bathtub, the pool is immaculately clean and overlooks the ocean. Near the pool are a few plastic-slatted lounge chairs and a hot tub that might only be slightly smaller than the pool itself. There’s also a communal grill in the far corner. A white picket-fence gate leads from the patio to the entrance of the beach. The entire shoreline is rocky, which means it’s not really suitable for swimming or sunbathing. Nonetheless, there are a handful of rusty Adirondack chairs for anyone who’d like to lounge near the waves. The hotel offers free parking and free Wi-Fi, as well as free guest laundry. There’s also an honor bar in the laundry room (of all places), which has assorted snacks, beer, and soda.